In the video above, Trump begins, "I'd would like to introduce a man who I truly [left shoulder shrug] believe will be outstanding in every way ..."

During 0:03 - 0:04, note how Trump's left shoulder shrugs in a very quick and in dramatic fashion.
A shoulder shrug is a nonverbal signal of: "What does it matter?", "I don't care", "I don't know" or "What could I do/What choice did I have?"

A shrug may also involve the entire arm, the thumbs, mouth, knees and even the feet.

Trump finishes his sentence (continued immediately from above), "... and will be - the next - Vice President of the United States - Governor Mike Pence, thank you. Thank you everybody. Thank you."

He then displays a combination shrug and his torso turns AWAY from Pence (0:13 - 0:14) This is also very sudden, relatively dramatic and is unnatural in appearance.

This "Torso Turning Away" from the person who he's introducing (and with whom he is supposed to believe is the most qualified to run the country should something happen to him) - is a profound example of disparity between spoken language and nonverbal language. This dynamic shows disrespect for Pence - as well as a lack of confidence in either his VP decision and/or Pence himself.

Whenever the two are incongruous - it's the nonverbal signals which tell the true thoughts and emotions - not the spoken word.

After Trump shakes Pence's hand and pats him/holds Pence's right shoulder (we can't see good detail here), Trump then pat's Pence's left shoulder twice - but not fully. Trump's right hand shows us that he doesn't want to fully touch Pence - look closely. When we pick up a dirty rag, typically we only use our thumb and forefinger - the rest of the fingers "play keep-away". This is a distancing phenomenon/insulating behavior. It also has overtones of disgust. In the video above this is of lower resolution, yet it can still be seen.

In the context of an introduction such as this, it's normal for Pence to look directly at Trump's eyes (or whomever is introducing him). Yet after their hands' hands touch, Trump's eye contact lasts for only for about 1.5 seconds. Thus Trumps spends very little bonding time in this introduction. This is a very symbolic moment and more time should be spent here. This is the public's moment to see them bond - and thus experiencing the bonding vicariously.

Whenever two people meet and shake hands - even if they've met 1000 times, this is an occasion when direct eye contact should occur for 3-4 seconds (whereas in other parts of the ensuing conversation this may feel like a bit like staring, but this is not so during the handshake). To not do so projects a lack of respect (although there can be other reasons - what are some of these?). Because he's formally introducing the potential next vice-president (and even a potential president considering Trump, if elected, would be the oldest first term US president in history), the audience and public should see more warmth and brotherhood in this moment - but simply it's not there.

Unbelievably, Trump then just walks away and leaves Pence alone. The significance of this literal, metaphorical and nonverbal abandonment cannot be over stated - it's a faux pas among faux pas.

Note that Pence's smile in this moment is sincere, but Trump's facial expression is anything but sincere - not even a remotely. Moreover there is a component of disgust on Trump's face. It's also worth mentioning that Governor Pence has some type of braces on his upper teeth. Many adults wearing braces are very self-conscious and thus find it difficult to smile sincerely.

During another portion of the speech (won't allow embedding however link is here and captured in the image immediately above at the 10:45 mark) of the same event, Trump continues, "Now
I think, if you look at, one of the big reason's I chose Mike - and one
of the reasons is party unity, I have to be honest. So many people [strong inhalation, disgust display], have said, 'Party Unity', cause I'm and outsider ..."

In addition, the primary reason for this speech was introducing Mike Pence, yet Trump spent the vast majority of time discussing other issues.

In summary, Donald Trump displays significant disgust either directly for Pence or about his own choice in Governor Mike Pence as his VP pick. He transmits multiple examples of nonverbal distancing behavior and lack of respect for Pence. Most importantly, Trump's disgust display when he speaks of other people preaching "party unity" implies that he felt significant pressure from outside his team to pick a running mate who was not his first choice.

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This website serves as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

Body Language Success

This website serves as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.